Alcoholics Anonymous Expands Its General Service Board with New Nonalcoholic Trustees

On January 22, 2026, Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) announced a significant expansion of its General Service Board with the addition of three new Class A trustees, emphasizing their commitment to recovery from alcohol dependence. The new trustees—Tom Ivester, M.D., Kelly Parsley, and Veronica Ramirez—bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives from their respective fields.

Dr. Tom Ivester hails from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where he currently serves as the chief clinical officer for Novant Health's triad region. Specializing in maternal-fetal medicine, he offers over three decades of medical and leadership experience, and has been closely linked to A.A. through his father’s long-term sobriety journey. This personal connection fuels his dedication to increasing awareness and understanding of A.A. within the medical community. Ivester contributes to several board committees, focusing on Archives, Public Information, Cooperation with the Professional Community, and Treatment and Accessibilities, aiming to strengthen the relationship between A.A. and healthcare practitioners.

Next is Kelly Parsley from Helena, Montana, a dedicated health sciences professor. Her academic work centers on alcohol use and abuse, making her well-suited for her role within A.A. Parsley was introduced to the fellowship through open meetings and has since developed an appreciation for its supportive community and recovery process. She is actively involved in the Corrections Committee and several crucial subcommittees, including the Plain Language Big Book, the anticipated Fifth Edition of the Big Book, and the International Committee, demonstrating her commitment to improving resources within A.A.

Veronica Ramirez, a former chief probation officer for the Eastern District of Louisiana, rounds out the new appointees. With over two decades of experience in federal probation and community corrections, Ramirez has previously referred countless individuals to A.A., observing its profound effect on long-term change in their lives. She is also a member of the Corrections Committee and works on various initiatives related to cooperation with the Professional Community and Treatment and Accessibilities, as well as contributing to the International Convention/Regional Forums Committee.

Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous has significantly impacted countless lives globally, establishing a reliable and enduring recovery program available to anyone seeking support with a drinking problem. The introduction of these trustees exemplifies A.A.’s ongoing dedication to enhancing its outreach and effectiveness.

For those looking to find local meetings or seeking help, A.A. encourages contact with their local office or visiting aa.org/meeting-guide-app for access to the Meeting Guide app. This resource aims to facilitate connection among individuals seeking recovery.

In addition to the formal counseling presence these new trustees offer, their diverse backgrounds enrich the board's collective expertise, ultimately enhancing A.A.'s mission to reach and assist those affected by alcohol dependence. The General Service Board relies on these nonalcoholic trustees to illuminate the distinct perspectives crucial for informing A.A.’s initiatives, making their voices vital in addressing the complexities surrounding alcohol use and recovery.

Topics Health)

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